Code-learner&#39;s instrument



April 21, 1931- H. GERNSBACK CODE LEARNER S INSTRUMENT Filed Aug. 16,1929 Inventor A tiarncy Patented Apr. 21, 1931 UNITED STATES HUGOGERNSBACK, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

OODE-LEARNERS INSTRUMENT Application filed August 16, 1929. Serial No.386,376.

This invention appertains to new and useful improvements in educationalappliances and more particularly to a novel device for facilitating thelearning of dot and dash codes.

The principal object of the invention is to provide a learnersinstrument of the character mentioned which because of its extremelysimple construction can be manufactured at a very reasonable cost.

Another important object of the invention is to provide a code learnersinstrument which will produce a clear snapping sound when actuated sothat a person may clearly detect the intelligence being transmitted,providing two parties are practicing with these instruments. I

During the course of the following specification and claims, otherimportant objects and advantages of the invention will readily becomeapparent to the reader;

In the drawings:

Figure 1 represents a perspective view of the instrument in itsentirety.

Figure 2 represents a longitudinal sectional view through theinstrument.

Figure 3 represents a transverse sectional view through the soundproducing element. 7

Figure 4 represents a transverse sectional View through a slightlymodified form of the invention.

Referring to the drawings wherein like numerals designate like parts, itwill be seen that this novel instrument includes a rectangular shapedbase 5 of any suitable material, preferably of a material reasonable incost.

An elongated spring plate 6 has one end provided with an opening forreceiving the bolt 7 which bolt has a head 8, and interposed between thehead and the edge portion of the said opening is a washer 9. Thethreaded end portion 10 of the bolt is engageable within a threadedopening in the base 5, and as clearly shown in Figure 2, said bolt isdisposed longi tudinally through the bore of a cylindrical spacer 11.

The spacer by being interposed between the plate 6 and the base 5 willmaintain that portion of the plate 6 projecting beyond the spacer '11 insubstantial, spaced parallelism with respect to the base 5.

The free end portion of the plate 6 is provided with an opening thereinthrough which the screw 12 is disposed for threaded engage-.7 mentwithin theknob 13 which knob is thus secured upon this end portion ofthe plate 6 in the manner substantially as shown in Figure 2. V

In order to produce a sound each time the plate 6 is flexed, adepression 14 is provided in the plate at the approximate point the samewill flex when pressure is applied on the knob 13. The size of thespacer 11, the extent and width of the plate 6 and other factors mayrequire the placement of this depression at some more favorable point onthe plate, but of course, the disposition of the depression can bechanged without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention asclaimed hereinafter.

It will be observed, that the base 5, the spacer 11, and the knob 13 areeach constructed of an insulating material, such as bakelite, fiber,glass or the like, but it is to be understood that these parts have beenthus represented more as a matter to simulate real telegraph keys, thanany particular advantage inherent therein. There parts can bemanufactured of any material, excepting that the plate 6 must have thenecessary spring consistency to perform the function desired.

Figure 4 represents a modification of the invention in that the base andspacer 5 and 11 respectively are constructed integrally. In other words,to reduce the cost of manufacture, these two details of the inventionare constructed out of the same piece of material. It is also to beunderstood that the plate 6 may be suitably constructed at its free endto provide a knob for use in lieu of the knob 13, shown in drawings. Byconstructing the plate 6 and knob of one piece of material, and the base5 and spacer 11 of another piece of material, the entire device may bemanufactured at a cost underpricing the structures shown in Figures 1, 2and 3.

Having thus described the invention, What is claimed as new is:

l. A code learners key comprising a base having a threaded opening inone end thereof, a spring arm, a spacing body having a boretherethrough, said body being adapted for disposition over one end ofthe base with its bore in registry with the opening in the base, and abolt for securing the arm to the body and base, said bolt being disposedthrough the bore in the spacing body and 1ghreadedly engaged in theopening of the ase.

2. A code learners key comprising a base having a threaded opening inone end thereof, a spring arm, a spacing body having an openingtherethrough, said arm being provided with an opening for registry withan opening of the spacing body, and a securing member for dispositionthrough the registered openings of the said arm, spacer and ase.

3. A code learners key comprising a base, a spring arm, a spacing memberfor interposition between one end of the arm and one end of the base,and means for detachably connecting the arm and spacing member to thebase.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature.

HUGO GERNSBAOK.

